UNIQUE TROPICAL BLEND, TO REACH OUT TO FAMILIES.
Seychelles has long established itself as a holiday hotspot, with tourism’s direct contribution to the GDP reaching 21.3 percent in 2015, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council revealed.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the UAE is currently the destination’s third largest source market, with 13,989 visitors registered between January – August 07, with only France and Germany overshadowing the Middle Eastern country with 26,248 and 21,380 arrivals, respectively.
Speaking of the industry’s first-half performance, Ahmed Fathalla, regional manager, Middle East, Seychelles Tourism Board, threw the spotlight on the rising demand from the Middle East, while also noting, “Though there was [an] increase in the overall figure, there are key markets which experienced a dip in their numbers due to the quietness of the travel market as an effect of the economic situation.”
Nevertheless, Fathalla expressed the organisation’s hope to see a surge in business volumes in the second half of the year.
Underscoring the Arab region’s importance, Roy Kinnear, CEO, Air Seychelles, said, “[The airline] is making inroads into new markets in the Middle East which did not generate significant inbound tourism to Seychelles in the past; for example Saudi Arabia which has seen almost 1,500 guests in the first half of [this year].”
Kinnear also mentioned Kuwait and the UAE as growing destinations, while also remarking on the significance of Lebanon, Cairo, Jordan and Morocco as valuable source markets exhibiting strong leisure demand for services to Mahé and onto Praslin.
MORE THAN ROMANCE
Although Seychelles has attained a prominent name as one of the leading amorous destinations, favoured by newlyweds and romance-seekers, the group of islands also caters to families.
“The destination is diverse and rich in picture-perfect scenery, well-equipped for a family holiday spent with island hopping or relaxing, and suitable for every age or type of traveller,” noted Adrian Messerli, general manager, Four Seasons Hotel & Resort Seychelles.
His words were also echoed by Fathalla, who drew attention to the sandy beaches, snorkelling and shell collecting opportunities and the wide range of kids’ clubs and daily activities available on the islands, adding, “A family break to the Seychelles offers exceptional experiences which will be etched out in the child’s memory.”
According to Messerli, even though the Mahé-based resort’s main market primarily consists of couples, he considers Seychelles a paradise destination ideal for families.
“The larger residence villas at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles attract many families who enjoy the privacy, space and home away from home concept and we see this as a market that has good potential for growth,” commented Messerli.
He further pinpointed the tropical environment’s attractiveness to youngsters, and the cinematic natural scenery that continue to lure adults.
All of these, as he said, remain a major draw for Middle Eastern families, who find a true haven in the Seychelles, which allows them to escape the region’s summer heat while experiencing new wonders with their loved ones.
Indeed, Kinnear attributed part of the growth in arrivals from the Middle East to the convenient services offered between the region and the islands.
“With a flying time of under four and a half hours from Abu Dhabi to Mahé, Seychelles is the ideal destination for a short weekend break or for travellers looking to relax on longer [vacations],” added, Kinnear.
“It is very pleasing to note that [Middle Eastern] markets are generating increasing interest for family, honeymoon, and adventure travel as well as for long-staying budget guests.”
